Nigeria’s recent engagement in Abu Dhabi has produced what analysts are describing as a watershed moment in the country’s international economic relations, following the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.
More than a diplomatic milestone, the agreement signals a major shift in how Nigeria is perceived globally moving from a difficult market to a structured, credible and investable economy.
Speaking in an interview with Voice of Nigeria Environment Correspondent Zeniat Abubakar in Abuja, a member of the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC,) Dr. Sam Onuigbo said the Nigeria–UAE CEPA represents a decisive breakthrough in market access and investor confidence.
According to him, under the agreement, 7,315 Nigerian products will enter the UAE market tariff-free, significantly improving their competitiveness in one of the world’s most strategic trading hubs. In return, about 6,243 Emirati products will enjoy similar access to the Nigerian market.
“The UAE is not just a destination market; it is a global re-export hub connecting Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa,” Onuigbo explained. “Access to the Emirates effectively opens doors to the wider world for Nigerian businesses.” he said.
From Visa Barriers to Business Access
Beyond trade, the agreement also marks a dramatic shift in human and business mobility between both countries. Just a few years ago, Nigerians faced stringent visa restrictions from the UAE.
“Under the new framework, Nigerian entrepreneurs can now open offices, operate businesses, and work legally in the UAE for defined periods before returning home.”
“This change restores confidence and trust,” Onuigbo said. “It sends a powerful message that Nigeria is once again being treated as a credible partner in global commerce.”
The game changer
“The signing of the Nigeria-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), came through as the gamechanger. Here was a hard negotiated, and ratified trade deal.
The UAE will eliminate tariffs on over seven thousand Nigerian products, and Nigeria will do the same for about six thousand UAE products,” he explained.
Strategic Repositioning
Onuigbo noted that President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Abu Dhabi was far from ceremonial, describing it as a carefully targeted mission to reposition Nigeria as an attractive investment destination.
“The UAE agreement aligns with a broader reform agenda focused on improving the business climate, modernising trade policy, and attracting foreign capital,” he said.
He said that the deal complements ongoing domestic reforms in power, climate policy and financial regulation, offering investors a clearer and more predictable operating environment.
Opportunities Across
He emphasised that the CEPA is expected to unlock significant opportunities across multiple sectors, including,
“Real estate and construction, Agriculture and agro-processing, Trade, logistics and services, Digital banking and fintech.
Fintech, in particular, stands out as a major growth area. With the UAE emerging as a global hub for financial and digital innovation, Nigerian startups and financial institutions now have a pathway to scale operations, form partnerships and raise international capital.,” he stated.
Global Markets
The UAE ranks among the world’s top economies and serves as a crossroads for global trade, hosting companies from the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa.”
“For Nigerian businesses, this agreement transforms the Emirates into a launchpad for global expansion rather than just a trading partner,” Onuigbo said.
Mr Onuigbo says the CEPA represents Nigeria’s renewed commitment to honoring agreements, protecting investments and engaging responsibly in international trade.
“In Abu Dhabi, President Tinubu captured this repositioning with a simple message: Nigeria is ready for business,” he said
“If managed effectively, the Nigeria–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement could mark the beginning of a new era—defined not by missed opportunities, but by integration, growth and global relevance.” he said
This agreement also signals the creation of qualitative jobs, particularly for Nigeria’s young population, in agriculture real estate, digital banking, retail and infrastructure financing.
” To a furniture manufacturer in Lagos, a certified cocoa processor in Ondo, or an assembler of electronics in Nnewi, one of the most significant barriers to entering one of the world’s most affluent and connected markets has just been dismantled.”
“This is the most decisive policy push for a post-oil, industrialised economy I have witnessed in a generation.
He added that It will masterfully transform Nigeria’s green transition from an internal development goal into a compelling global trade and investment opportunity.